SABLAYAN, Occidental Mindoro — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA has invested ₱4.02 million to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and food security in the Municipality of Sablayan through the implementation of the Dairy Production Project under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Funded under the Zero Hunger Program Fund, the project aims to provide organized community groups with productive livelihood assets that will generate sustainable income while contributing to local food production. The initiative forms part of the Department’s continuing efforts, under the leadership of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, to create more inclusive and resilient livelihood opportunities for Filipino families.

As part of the project, six (6) Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) received a total of twenty-one (21) dairy buffaloes during the turnover activity held on July 19, 2026. The implementation was carried out in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sablayan, while the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) provided technical assistance, including health assessments of the dairy buffaloes to ensure the animals were fit for dairy production.

DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales emphasized that the Dairy Production Project reflects the Department’s commitment to providing interventions that empower communities beyond immediate assistance.

“By investing in sustainable livelihood projects such as dairy production, we are helping organized community groups build enterprises that can provide long-term income, improve household well-being, and contribute to food security in their communities. This is the kind of intervention that enables families to become more self-reliant and resilient,” Director Gonzales said.

The Dairy Production Project is expected to provide beneficiary associations with a sustainable source of income through milk production and the development of value-added dairy products. Through strategic partnerships and community-based livelihood initiatives, DSWD MIMAROPA continues to strengthen economic opportunities that support the long-term development of families and communities across the region.